Reading Time: 2 minutes

Tributes have continued to pour in since Saturday’s (September 11) death of songbird, Karen Smith, whose battle with colon cancer ended at the Baywest Hospital in Montego Bay, St James, where she was admitted last Tuesday.

Social media has been exploding with recollections from musicians at home and abroad expressing sadness at the death of Smith, who was a household name on the cabaret circuit along Jamaica’s North Coast.

One tribute read: “Karen Smith, a sweet soul whose voice for many years thrilled the Jamaican audience and audiences overseas. She is what many regard as a sweet soul, who always greets you with that welcoming smile which would morph into a mischievous grin, and then out came peals of laughter.”

Individuals affiliated with Artistes For Change, a group of artistes working to promote good international Jamaican music, added their voices to the tributes.

Freddie McGregor:

RIP Karen, you are forever in our hearts we love you.

Rojjah Mendez:

A race well executed,

A clear path other could follow 

You did your best Karen 

Well done 

Nuff salutations

Rest well.

Althea Hewitt:

I am grateful and will cherish the time I spent in her space. Karen always had a smile from her heart each time I saw her. Pleasant and bubbly. She booked me for several shows at the Hilton Rosehall Resort on the North Coast back in the day when I was doing Cabaret. Thank you. She was an inspiration to me and many and when she performed… What a lady she was. I loved when she performed my favorite “Die with my dignity”. Karen you were the best of us. My love and condolences goes out to the Jackson family at this time. Karen ’til we meet again, sleep in heavenly peace.

Roy Rayon:

Karen you came 

You made your mark 

In a way only you could do 

Thanks for the great work 

Thanks for blessing us with your voice and your charm…  rest well

Latty Guzang:

Sista Karen, your contribution to the industry is invaluable. And, one bright morning when our work is over we must fly away HOME. Your  wonderful WORK is done, so fly away HOME my sista, RIP.

Vernon L. Derby:

Karen like a flower she bloomed one morning

And the world admired the beauty

The scent of the flower permeated the air

The bloom lasted but for a time

It’s now evening

The flower has faded

The beautiful scent still remains